It is no wonder, therefore, that it bills itself as "Ireland's number one local radio station."

But, in spite of the success, its ownership has been anything but straightforward. In May 2005, its shareholders agreed to sell it to Scottish Radio Holdings (SRH) for €7m (£6m). But just 21 days later, SRH itself was itself taken over by a British media company, Emap.

Then, in July 2007, Emap sold the station on to Communicorp, the company controlled by Irish media tycoon Denis O'Brien. And a year later, he passed it on to Orangold, a company run by a Galway media owner, Gerry Rabbitt, for a reputed €9m (£7.7m).

Throughout the changes of ownership, from 1991 onwards, the station's main manager was Charlie Collins. He was also the its leading reporter and commentator on sport.

Now, according to a report in yesterday's Sunday Times, Collins is seeking to return in what looks set to become a takeover tussle when Highland's operating licence - granted by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland - comes up for renewal next year.

Collins has joined a consortium planning to bid for the licence in company with Paddy Simpson, owner of Derry's Brunswick Superbowl, and Enda Nicholls, owner of Letterkenny's Arena 7 entertainment centre.